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A dozen Republicans go against Boehner

U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, in his first official act, turned thumbs down on the man who will be his boss. Career-limiting move? Perhaps, but it wouldn't necessarily be seen that way if, two days earlier, Bridenstine had voted against the “fiscal cliff” resolution bill.

After all, Rep. James Lankford voted against the bill and is now part of House Speaker John Boehner's leadership team. Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, and Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, will probably be on the same side of most issues in the coming two years.

Bridenstine ousted veteran Republican congressman John Sullivan last summer and easily defeated his Democratic opponent in November. In the election for speaker, Bridenstine supported Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., also part of the leadership team. He was one of only 12 Republicans to oppose Boehner.

Some members of Congress linked to the tea party movement, including Bridenstine, weren't happy with Boehner's role in a tax increase included in the compromise bill. Some Republicans who voted for the bill — including every member of the Oklahoma delegation except Lankford — will get complaints from the tea party; some of them may draw primary opponents based largely on the tax increase.

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The Oklahoman Editorial Board consists of Gary Pierson, President and CEO of The Oklahoma Publishing Company; Christopher P. Reen, president and publisher of The Oklahoman; Kelly Dyer Fry, editor and vice president of news; Christy Gaylord...